Patricia Wilbor Nottage

NEW BEDFORD — Patricia Wilbor Nottage, age 85, recently of Cedars Assisted Living Facility in Dartmouth, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford after a long illness.

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Posted May. 5, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Posted May. 5, 2013 at 12:01 AM

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NEW BEDFORD — Patricia Wilbor Nottage, age 85, recently of Cedars Assisted Living Facility in Dartmouth, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford after a long illness.

She was born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Walter C. and Emily (Jackson) Wilbor. Patricia spent her youth in Fairhaven and had been a resident of Mattapoisett for 25 years before moving to New Bedford 25 years ago. She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, class of 1945 and received her Bachelor's Degree from Bridgewater State College in 1965.

Patricia was a Special Needs teacher for over 30 years in the New Bedford School Department. She was a communicant of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in New Bedford where she was an active member of the Vestry and the Altar Guild. Patricia also enjoyed her association with the St. Hedwig's Seniors.

Patricia was also a member of the New Bedford Whaling Museum/Old Dartmouth Historical Society where she served on the executive committee of the Museum's volunteer council for many years. For over 20 years and up until her death, Patricia continued as an active volunteer for the Whaling Museum's research library as a dedicated reader and interpreter of whaling logs, one of her favorite pastimes. As a descendant of the Wilbor family of Little Compton, RI, she was especially interested in her family history. Patricia also enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery.

Unfailingly optimistic, her positive disposition, intellectual curiosity, stubborn streak, and sense of humor enabled her to face life's difficult challenges and to inspire others. She deeply cherished her time with friends and family especially during the holidays. A friend to all animals, Patricia generously supported local and national causes to protect the most vulnerable and endangered. She derived the greatest joy from the special bond she had with her cats and birds.

Patricia is survived by a daughter, Cheryl P. Nottage Bembry of Bowie, MD, by two granddaughters, Cassandra and Michelle, and six great-grandchildren. Patricia is also survived by her maternal cousins, Lee Marland and his wife Diane Gilbert of Dartmouth, John Marland and his wife Joan of Cotuit, and their family.

Patricia was predeceased by her daughter, Katama (Deborah) Nottage and son David Allen Nottage; and by her brother, W. Clarke Wilbor of Glastonbury, CT.

According to her wishes, interment at New Bedford's Rural Cemetery will be private. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in New Bedford on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m.

Donations in her memory may be made to the New Bedford Whaling Museum research library, Habitat for Cats, P. O. Box 79571, Dartmouth, MA 02747, or St. Martin's Episcopal Church.